Question 1

Is water damage an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Yes, water damage is an emergency. Whether due to a burst pipe, appliance overflow, sewage backup, or flood, it can lead to electrical hazards, compromise structural integrity, and promote mold growth the longer it’s left unaddressed.

Question 2

What should I do immediately after discovering water damage?

Accepted Answer

Stop the source of water if possible, turn off electricity in affected areas, and contact a professional restoration service as soon as possible. More importantly, document the damage with photos and videos for insurance purposes.

Question 3

How much time does it take before water damage becomes noticeable?

Accepted Answer

Water damage can become noticeable within minutes to days, depending on the source and extent of the water intrusion and the affected materials. Signs like water spots, swelling materials, and odors can appear rapidly, especially on porous surfaces.

Question 4

How fast does mold develop after water damage?

Accepted Answer

Mold can develop within 72 hours after water damage and continue spreading if the ideal conditions are present. Swiftly addressing water damage is essential in preventing widespread contamination.

Question 5

Can eliminating moisture kill mold?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating moisture can halt mold growth since it requires damp conditions. However, it does not necessarily kill existing mold. Proper mold remediation is needed to eliminate mold from its source.

Question 6

What is the biggest concern with water damage?

Accepted Answer

The biggest concern with water damage is its potential to cause structural damage and health problems. Continuous exposure to water can weaken structures while promoting mold and bacteria growth, posing severe health risks.

Question 7

How long can furniture remain in water before getting damaged beyond repair?

Accepted Answer

Wooden and upholstered furniture can absorb water quickly, so they may be damaged beyond repair if left in water for days. Remove furniture from water as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24 hours, for the best chances of restoration.

Question 8

Can a water restoration team help me restore personal Items damaged by water?

Accepted Answer

Yes, teams like Restoration 1 can help restore your personal items using specialized cleaning and restoration techniques. We also offer contents pack out and storage services to take care of your other possessions not affected by water and return them to you once your home is back to normal.

Question 9

How much time does it take before water starts impacting a foundation’s integrity?

Accepted Answer

Water can start affecting a foundation’s integrity quickly, especially with prolonged exposure. For example, flooding, or rapid snowmelt can produce a sudden influx of water and saturate the soil, leading to increased stress on the foundation and causing immediate damage.

Question 10

Is it safe to stay in my property during the water removal and restoration process?

Accepted Answer

Staying in a water-damaged property during restoration is generally not advisable as the environment may be unsafe. Your restoration professionals can assess the situation and advise if temporary relocation is necessary.

Question 11

Will my homeowners insurance cover water damage?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage from sudden and accidental events, like a burst pipe. However, it often excludes damage from unresolved maintenance issues or flooding.

Question 12

What is the difference between remediation vs. mitigation?

Accepted Answer

Mitigation involves immediate actions to prevent further damage, such as extraction and drying. Remediation, on the other hand, is the comprehensive process of addressing the problem and returning the property to its pre-damage condition.

Question 13

Can I handle water cleanup and damage repair, or do I need a professional?

Accepted Answer

Small, contained areas might be manageable with DIY methods. However, extensive water damage requires professional intervention, especially in cases involving category 2 or 3 water.

Question 14

How long does fire damage restoration take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline depends on how severe the fire damage is. Smaller fires with limited smoke damage may take a few days to clean and restore, while larger fires involving structural repairs can take several weeks.

Question 15

Can smoke damage be completely removed after a fire?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Professional fire damage restoration includes specialized smoke and soot removal techniques, advanced deodorization, and air filtration systems to eliminate smoke particles and odors from surfaces, materials, and HVAC systems.

Question 16

How long does it take to clean up after fire damage?

Accepted Answer

Every situation is different. The amount of time it takes to clean fire damage depends on the extent of the damage, how many rooms the fire spread to, and other factors. We’ll clean as quickly and efficiently as we can, which typically requires between a few days to a few weeks to complete the job.

Question 17

Can I inspect my home and belongings after fire damage?

Accepted Answer

We strongly advise you to avoid re-entering your home following a fire. Beyond the concerns of smoke inhalation, fire and smoke can weaken a home’s structure substantially, risking collapse.

Question 18

Should I try to clean it up myself?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that you hire a professional team to clean up fire and smoke residue rather than cleaning it yourself. Smoke is dangerous to inhale, and our team has the proper equipment and expertise to adequately handle the damage.

Question 19

What are some safety concerns?

Accepted Answer

After a fire, the main concerns are the structural integrity of the home and the smoke residue. When a fire burns, it melts building materials and can create toxic fumes that linger within the property.

Question 20

What items do I keep in my possession?

Accepted Answer

If you were able to grab any belongings while evacuating your home and they are undamaged, keep them with you.

Question 21

How do I keep track of non-restorable items?

Accepted Answer

Part of our assessment process includes creating an inventory of each item that we recover from the scene. From there, we assess each item’s condition and decide what can be restored and what must be disposed of. Everything will be accounted for and documented.

Question 22

What about special items? Artwork, china, heirlooms, etc.

Accepted Answer

If you have special items that were left behind in your home, simply let us know. We will diligently search for them, assess each item, and restore them when possible.

Question 23

Who is responsible for paying for the service?

Accepted Answer

The property owner is responsible for paying for the service, but we recommend that you contact your insurance company after the incident to review your coverage options.

Question 24

Should I file a claim with my insurance company?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not you file an insurance claim is totally up to you. Discuss your options with your insurance agent to see if it’s practical based on the estimate and your coverage.

Question 25

Do you communicate with my insurance adjuster?

Accepted Answer

If you would like us to speak with your adjuster, we are more than happy to do so. Just let us know.

Question 26

What if my house has asbestos or lead?

Accepted Answer

We are certified to handle substances like asbestos and lead based on our training. However, if we are not 100% comfortable with something, we will call in colleagues who can safely manage the situation.

Question 27

What if I’d like to upgrade or remodel my house?

Accepted Answer

If this ordeal has created an opportunity for you to do the upgrade or remodel you’ve always wanted, then we can help. However, keep in mind that if your plans are extensive, you may need to hire an additional contractor.

Question 28

What’s the difference between mold and mildew?

Accepted Answer

Mold and mildew are in the same family of fungi. The difference is that mold must be professionally remediated to fully remove it from your property, while mildew can simply be wiped away. Mold spreads easily and can be dangerous to your health, so expert assistance is always recommended.

Question 29

What does mold look like?

Accepted Answer

Mold will present itself in dark gray, green, or even black blotches on surfaces. It will likely be raised and textured, unlike mildew, and is typically accompanied by a mildew-like odor.

Question 30

What is mold remediation?

Accepted Answer

Mold remediation is the process used to thoroughly remove mold, eliminate odors, sanitize the area, and restore healthy air quality to residential and commercial properties.

Question 31

How much does mold remediation cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of mold remediation will vary based on the extent of your mold infestation. We’ll provide you with a detailed quote once we’re able to assess the mold in your property.

Question 32

How long does it take mold to grow or spread?

Accepted Answer

Mold can begin to develop in as little as 24 hours, then spread to multiple parts of your home. It’s imperative to stay on top of mold and call for remediation as soon as it’s spotted.

Question 33

Do I need to hire a mold remediation/removal expert to remove mold, or can I do it myself?

Accepted Answer

Due to the dangers of mold, we advise you to leave the removal to us. The inhalation of mold spores can lead to adverse health effects and long-term illness.

Question 34

How long does it take to remove mold?

Accepted Answer

The time it takes to remove mold is determined on a case-by-case basis. It all depends on the size of the infestation and its location.

Question 35

How is mold growth detected?

Accepted Answer

We use professional equipment and extensive training to identify mold throughout your home. We check behind walls and under flooring to determine the true extent of the damage; anything missed will only cause another infestation, so we ensure a thorough assessment of your property.

Question 36

What health problems can mold cause?

Accepted Answer

Initially, mold causes an allergy-like reaction in most people. They’ll experience itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and other similar symptoms. With long-term mold exposure, people may experience headaches, fatigue, and other chronic illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water damage an emergency?

What should I do immediately after discovering water damage?

How much time does it take before water damage becomes noticeable?

How fast does mold develop after water damage?

Can eliminating moisture kill mold?

What is the biggest concern with water damage?

How long can furniture remain in water before getting damaged beyond repair?

Can a water restoration team help me restore personal Items damaged by water?

How much time does it take before water starts impacting a foundation’s integrity?

Is it safe to stay in my property during the water removal and restoration process?

Will my homeowners insurance cover water damage?

What is the difference between remediation vs. mitigation?

Can I handle water cleanup and damage repair, or do I need a professional?

How long does fire damage restoration take?

Can smoke damage be completely removed after a fire?

How long does it take to clean up after fire damage?

Can I inspect my home and belongings after fire damage?

Should I try to clean it up myself?

What are some safety concerns?

What items do I keep in my possession?

How do I keep track of non-restorable items?

What about special items? Artwork, china, heirlooms, etc.

Who is responsible for paying for the service?

Should I file a claim with my insurance company?

Do you communicate with my insurance adjuster?

What if my house has asbestos or lead?

What if I’d like to upgrade or remodel my house?

What’s the difference between mold and mildew?

What does mold look like?

What is mold remediation?

How much does mold remediation cost?

How long does it take mold to grow or spread?

Do I need to hire a mold remediation/removal expert to remove mold, or can I do it myself?

How long does it take to remove mold?

How is mold growth detected?

What health problems can mold cause?

Is water damage an emergency?

What should I do immediately after discovering water damage?

How much time does it take before water damage becomes noticeable?

How fast does mold develop after water damage?

Can eliminating moisture kill mold?

What is the biggest concern with water damage?

How long can furniture remain in water before getting damaged beyond repair?

Can a water restoration team help me restore personal Items damaged by water?

How much time does it take before water starts impacting a foundation’s integrity?

Is it safe to stay in my property during the water removal and restoration process?

Will my homeowners insurance cover water damage?

What is the difference between remediation vs. mitigation?

Can I handle water cleanup and damage repair, or do I need a professional?

How long does fire damage restoration take?

Can smoke damage be completely removed after a fire?

How long does it take to clean up after fire damage?

Can I inspect my home and belongings after fire damage?

Should I try to clean it up myself?

What are some safety concerns?

What items do I keep in my possession?

How do I keep track of non-restorable items?

What about special items? Artwork, china, heirlooms, etc.

Who is responsible for paying for the service?

Should I file a claim with my insurance company?

Do you communicate with my insurance adjuster?

What if my house has asbestos or lead?

What if I’d like to upgrade or remodel my house?

What’s the difference between mold and mildew?

What does mold look like?

What is mold remediation?

How much does mold remediation cost?

How long does it take mold to grow or spread?

Do I need to hire a mold remediation/removal expert to remove mold, or can I do it myself?

How long does it take to remove mold?

How is mold growth detected?

What health problems can mold cause?